Snappable wheel holders for environmental control units such as radiators, heaters, fans and air conditioners. wheel holders can attach wheels to brackets located underneath the units by mateably attaching male protruding ends into female slots. Plastic triangular pieces can snap into openings to lock the wheel holders to the brackets. The brackets can be attached underneath the units by clamping U-bars with wing nuts.
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10. A mobile support for an environmental control units comprising:
an environmental control unit selected from one of a heater, a radiator and a fan;
a first main bracket having an upper surface and a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a first side and a second side each between the first end and the second end, the upper surface of the bracket being attached underneath the control unit, the first main bracket having a first horizontal facing slot into the first end of the first main bracket, and a second horizontal facing slot into the second end of the first main bracket opposite to the one end;
a first wheel;
a first horizontal protruding member extending sideways from the first wheel;
a first snapable triangular tab and first catch slot, wherein the first horizontal protruding member has either the first snapable triangular tab or the first catch slot, and wherein the first end of the bracket has either the first catch slot or the first snapable triangular tab, the first horizontal protruding member inserts in a first horizontal direction into the first horizontal socket on the first end of the first main bracket for attaching the first wheel to the environmental control unit by the first triangular tab snapably attaching into the first catch slot;
a second wheel; and
a second horizontal protruding member extending sideways from the second wheel;
a second snapable triangular tab and a second catch slot, wherein the second horizontal protruding member has either the second snapable triangular tab or the second catch slot, and wherein the second end of the bracket has either the second catch slot or the second snapable triangular tab, the second horizontal protruding member inserts in a second horizontal direction opposite the first horizontal direction into the second horizontal socket on the second end of the first main bracket for attaching the second wheel to the environmental control unit by the second triangular tab snapably attaching into the second catch slot, so that the environmental control unit is rollable on a floor surface by the first wheel and the second wheel.
1. A mobile support apparatus for an environmental control unit comprising:
an environmental control unit selected from one of a heater, a radiator and a fan;
a breaker having an upper surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a first side between the first end and the second end, and a second side between the first end and the second end, the upper surface of the bracket attached under the environmental control unit, the bracket having a first horizontal oriented rectangular slot into the first end and a second horizontal oriented rectangular slot into the second end of the bracket which is opposite to the first end of the bracket;
a first wheel rotatably attached to a first wheel holder, the first wheel holder having a first horizontal protruding rectangular end on top of the first wheel extending sideways therefrom;
a first snapable triangular tab and a first catch slot, wherein the first wheel holder has either the first snapable triangular tab or the first catch slot, and wherein the first end of the bracket has either the first catch slot or the first snapable triangular tab;
a second wheel rotatably attached to a second wheel holder, the second wheel holder having a second horizontal protruding rectangular end on top of the second wheel extending sideways therefrom;
a second snapable triangular fab and a second catch slot, wherein the second wheel holder has either the second snapable triangular tab or the second catch slot, and wherein the second end of the bracket has either the second catch slot or the second snapable triangular tab, wherein the first horizontal protruding rectangular end of the first wheel holder is inserted horizontally into the first horizontal oriented rectangular slot on the first end of the bracket and is locked together by the first triangular tab snapably attaching into the first catch slot, and the second horizontal protruding rectangular end of the second wheel holder is inserted horizontally into the second horizontal oriented rectangular slot of the bracket and is locked together by the second triangular tab snapably attaching into the second catch slot, so that the environmental control unit is rollable on a floor surface by the first wheel and the second wheel, and the first and second wheel holders are removable from the bracket.
2. The mobile support apparatus of
3. The mobile support apparatus of
a first horizontal edge adjacent the first catch slot on the bracket for catching the first snapable triangular tab of the first protruding end; and
a second horizontal edge adjacent the second catch slot on the bracket for catching the second snapable triangular tab of the second protruding end.
4. The mobile support apparatus of
5. The mobile support apparatus of
a first horizontal edge adjacent the first catch slot on the first protruding end for catching the first snapable triangular tab of the bracket; and
a second horizontal edge adjacent the second catch slot on the second protruding end for catching the second snapable triangular tab of the bracket.
6. The mobile support apparatus of
a single longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, and being attached to the first bracket, the first snapable triangular tab extending upward from the first end of the single longitudinal member, and the second snapable triangular tab extending upward from the second end of the single longitudinal member.
7. The mobile support apparatus of
a pair of wheels with an axle therebetween, the axle being attached to each wheel holder so that the pair of wheels rotates relative to each wheel holder.
8. The mobile support apparatus of
U-shaped clamp with threaded fasteners for mounting the bracket underneath the environmental control unit.
9. The mobile apparatus of
a second bracket attached to under the environmental control unit spaced parallel to the first bracket, the second bracket having a first horizontal oriented rectangular slot into a first end and a second horizontal oriented rectangular slot into a second end opposite to the first end;
a third wheel rotatably attached to a third wheel holder, the third wheel holder having a third horizontal protruding rectangular end on top of the third wheel extending sideways therefrom;
a third snapable triangular tab and a third catch slot, wherein the third wheel holder has either the third snapable triangular tab or the third catch slot, and wherein the first end of the second bracket has either the third catch slot or the third snapable triangular tab;
a fourth wheel rotatably attached in a fourth wheel holder, the fourth wheel holder having a fourth horizontal protruding rectangular end on top of the fourth wheel extending sideways therefrom;
a fourth snapable triangular tab and a fourth catch slot, wherein the fourth wheel holder has either the fourth snapable triangular tab or the fourth catch slot and wherein the second end of the bracket has either the fourth catch slot or the fourth snapable triangular tab wherein the first horizontal protruding rectangular end of the third wheel holder is inserted into the first horizontal oriented rectangular slot on the first end of the second bracket and are attached together by the third triangular tab snapably inserting into the third catch slot, and the fourth horizontal protruding rectangular end of the fourth wheel holder is inserted into the fourth horizontal oriented rectangular slot of the second bracket and are attached together by the fourth triangular tab snapably inserting into the fourth catch slot, so that the environmental control unit is rollable on a floor surface by the first wheel and the second wheel and the third wheel and the fourth wheel, and the first and second wheel holders are removable from the first bracket, and the third and fourth wheel holders are removable from the second bracket.
11. The mobile support of
12. The mobile support of
13. The mobile support of
14. The mobile support of
15. The mobile support of
a single longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, and being attached to the first bracket, the first snapable triangular tab extending upward from the first end of the single longitudinal member, and the second snapable triangular tab extending upward from the second end of the single longitudinal member.
16. The mobile support of
a second main bracket attached underneath the control unit and spaced parallel from the first main bracket, the second main bracket having a third horizontal slot into a first end of the second main bracket, and a fourth horizontal slot into a second end of the second main bracket opposite to the one end;
a third wheel;
a third horizontal protruding member extending sideways from the third wheel;
a third snapable triangular tab and third catch slot, wherein the third horizontal protruding member has either the first snapable triangular tab or the third catch slot, and wherein the first end of the second bracket has either the third catch slot or the third snapable triangular tab, the third horizontal protruding member inserts into the third horizontal socket on the first end of the second main bracket for attaching the third wheel to the environmental control unit by the third triangular tab snapably attaching into the third catch slot;
a fourth wheel; and
a fourth horizontal protruding member extending sideways from the fourth wheel;
a fourth snapable triangular tab and a fourth catch slot, wherein the fourth horizontal protruding member has either the fourth snapable triangular tab or the fourth catch slot, and wherein the second end of the second bracket has either the fourth catch slot or the fourth snapable triangular tab, the fourth horizontal protruding member inserts into the fourth horizontal socket on the second end of the second main bracket for attaching the fourth wheel to the environmental control unit by the fourth triangular tab snapably attaching into the fourth catch slot, so that the environmental control unit is rollable on a floor surface by the first wheel and the second wheel, and the third wheel and the fourth wheel.
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This invention relates to wheels, in particular to easily attachable and detachable mobile support wheels, structures, assemblies, devices and methods for supporting portable environmental control units such as heaters, radiators, fans, and the like, in order to allow these units to be mobile over floor surfaces.
Portable heaters have been growing in popularity in recent years. Making these devices easily mobile is useful for their versatility. Many portable heaters must be physically lifted and carried in order to be mobile. The lift and carry requirement is not very desirable when the heaters are often moved from place to place.
Placing wheels on portable heaters has been done over the years. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,253 to De'Longhi and U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,200 to Dai. However, these device like many others requires generally large type wheels be permanently attached to axles underneath the heaters. The permanent type attachments do not allow for removing the wheels when needed. For example, the permanently attached wheels take up more space when the heater unit has to be packaged and shipped.
Even if these wheels were not initially attached to the heater, then the user must spend time to assemble the wheels by using tools such as but not limited to screw drivers, wrenches, and the like. So, later removing the wheels would also be a chore requiring additional manpower and time. Additionally, these large type wheels can be cumbersome to store. Additionally, these devices have many loose parts that can become lost overtime.
Attempts have been made to use smaller wheels underneath the portable heaters. See for example, U.S. Published Patent Application 2004/0245417 to De'Longhi, which describes a support for a radiator. Although these wheels are generally smaller than those referenced in the other devices above, these wheel are not intended to be removed from beneath the heater. Instead these wheels fold up underneath the heater, and still take up added space when the heater is to be shipped and stored. Additionally, the folding action can break or jam along one of the hinges. If only one hinge breaks or jams, the entire heater is no longer rollable over a ground surface.
Still furthermore, all of the prior art devices listed above require their wheels be fixed along side each of the heater units, which means they are not pivotable. These fixed wheel orientations do not allow for the heaters to be easily turned as they are being rolled.
Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art.
A primary objective of the invention is to provide wheels for environmental control units such as heaters and fans, that easily snap on and are removable with ease.
A secondary objective of the invention is to provide wheels for environmental control units such as heaters and fans, that can be assembled without much labor or time.
A third objective of the invention is to provide wheels for environmental control units such as heaters and fans, which can be disassembled without much labor or time.
A fourth objective of the invention is to provide wheels for environmental control units such as heaters and fans, where the wheels can turn and pivot in place.
A fifth objective of the invention is to provide wheels for environmental control units such as heaters and fans, that can attach and detach without using tools and having loose parts.
A sixth objective of the invention is to provide wheels for environmental control units such as heaters and fans, that do not fold up underneath the unit.
A seventh objective of the invention is to provide wheels for environmental control units such as heaters and fans, that when wheels are removed allow units to be shipped and stored with less space than previous units having wheels.
A mobile support apparatus for an environmental control units that includes a bracket attached to an environmental control unit, the bracket having a first slot on one end and a second slot on a second end opposite to the first end, a first wheel rotatably attached to a first wheel holder, the first wheel holder having a first protruding end, and a second wheel rotatably attached to a second wheel holder, the second wheel holder having a first protruding end, wherein the first protruding end of the first wheel holder is inserted into the first slot of the bracket, and the second protruding end of the second wheel holder is inserted into the second slot of the bracket, so that the environmental control unit is rollable on a floor surface by the first wheel and the second wheel, and the first and second wheel holders are removable from the bracket.
The bracket can include a first snapable portion that bends and attaches the first protruding end of the first wheel holder to the first slot of the bracket, and a second snapable portion that bends and attaches the second protruding end of the first wheel holder to the second slot of the bracket. The first snapable portion and the second snapable portion can each be members that protrude upward from the first protruding end and the second protruding end, respectively.
The apparatus can include a first horizontal edge on the bracket for catching the first snapable member of the first protruding end, and a second horizontal edge on the bracket for catching the second snapable member of the second protruding end.
The apparatus can include a first horizontal edge on the first protruding end for catching the first snapable portion member of the bracket, and a second horizontal edge on the second protruding end for catching the second snapable member of the bracket.
The first slot of the bracket and the second slot of the bracket can each include a pair of bent clips facing one another having a space therebetween wherein the space forms the first and the second slots.
The apparatus can further include a first pivot member between the first wheel and the first wheel holder for allowing the first wheel to pivot and rotate relative to the first wheel holder, and a second pivot member between the second wheel and the second wheel holder for allowing the second wheel to pivot and rotate relative to the second wheel holder. The first wheel and the second wheel can each include a pair of wheels with an axle therebetween, the axle being attached to each wheel holder so that the pair of wheels rotates relative to each wheel holder.
The first wheel holder and the second wheel holder can each include a clip having bendable edges for allowing the axle to be attached and removed from each wheel holder.
The environmental control unit can be a portable heater, a portable radiator, and/or be a portable fan.
The invention can include a novel method of attaching and detaching wheels from a bracket that is attached to an environmental control unit, that can include steps for: providing an environmental control unit, providing a first wheel and a second wheel, attaching the first wheel to the environmental control unit by inserting a first protruding member into a first socket; attaching the second wheel to the environmental control unit by inserting a second protruding member inserts into a second socket, and rolling the environmental control unit on a floor surface by the first wheel and the second wheel.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.
of the preceding figures for the second embodiment.
Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
10
First Embodiment Heater unit such as radiator with Snapable
wheels
12
Undersurface of unit(bottom edges of radiator heat exchange fins)
14
Lower horizontal support member of radiator
20
Snapable wheel holder(metal)
21
Main horizontal support member
22
Male protruding end
23
rectangle catch slot in protruding end
24
wedge shaped tip
25
pivot fastener
27
shield cover for wheel(s)
28
wheel(s)/caster(s)
29
axle
S1
direction protruding end slides into main bracket
30
Main bracket
31
horizontal planar portion
32
first socket end(formed from bent L-shapes facing one another)
33/35
through-holes for attachment to U-bar clamps
34/36
bent sides of bracket
38
second socket end(formed from bent L-shapes facing one another)
40
Retainer clip
41
narrow elongated portion
42
first sloping upward from narrow tip end/angled edge
42F
first flat apex portion
44
first vertical wall catch
43/45
cylinder portions with through-holes
48
second sloping upward from narrow tip end/angled edge
48F
second flat apex portion
46
second vertical wall catch
50
Wing Nut
60
U-Bar Clamp
62/64
threaded ends
70
Second embodiment snapable wheel holder(plastic)
71
main horizontal support member
72
male protruding end
73
rearwardly facing tab(triangular side shape) with sloping upward
top surface
74
wedge shaped tip
76
vertical wall catch
75
pivot fastener
77
shield cover for wheel(s)
78
wheel(s)/caster(s)
79
axle
80
Second embodiment main bracket
81
horizontal planar portion
82
first socket end(formed from bent L-shapes facing one another)
83/85
through-holes for attachment to U-bar clamps
84/86
bent sides of bracket
88
second socket end(formed from bent L-shapes facing one another)
87
first catch opening in planar portion
89
second catch opening in planar portion
Referring to
The shield cover 27 can rotatably support wheel(s)/caster(s) 28 inside that allow the unit 10 to roll over various floor surfaces. A preferred embodiment can have a pair of disc type wheels attached to one another by an axle 29, that can snap into a standard clip (not shown) inside of the shield cover 27. Alternatively, a caster type wheel such as a ball can be rotatably supported underneath the shield cover 27.
The horizontal support member 21 with a male end 22 protruding therefrom can be formed from metal such as galvanized metal, aluminum, and the like, and the shield cover 27 and wheel(s)/caster(s) 28 can be formed from plastic. Alternatively, these pieces can all be formed from metal. Alternatively, all of these pieces can all be formed from plastic. Still furthermore, these pieces can be formed from any combination of plastic and metal, and the like.
Referring to
Two through-holes 33, 35 pass through mid-portions of the horizontal planar portion 31 of the bracket 30 and can be used for attaching the bracket 30 to the U-bar clamp 60 and retainer clip 40. The sides 34, 36 of the main bracket 30 can be bent so that the sockets 32, 38 formed by the pairs of bent L-shaped portions 32, 38 are located within channels below the depth formed by the sides 34, 36.
Referring to
An assembly of the components will now be described. Initially an assembler can take two main brackets 30 and attach each underneath the radiator unit 10 by the U-bar clamps 60. Referring to
Referring to
To disassemble, a user can physically push upward on flat apex portion 42F of each triangle portion 42, 44 on the retainer clip 40 and slide the wheel holders out in a direction opposite to that of arrow S1. Similarly, wheel holders 20 can be removed from opposite triangle end portions 48, 46 in a similar manner. The remaining components (main brackets 30, retainer clips 40 and U-bar clamps 60 can be removed following directions opposite to the assembly directions previously described.
Referring to
The shield cover can rotatably support wheel(s)/caster(s) 78 inside that allow the unit 10 to roll over various floor surfaces. A preferred embodiment can have a pair of disc type wheels 78 attached to one another by an axle 79, that can snap into a standard clip (not shown) inside of the shield cover 77. Alternatively, a caster type wheel such as a ball can be rotatably supported underneath the shield cover 77.
The horizontal support member 71 with a male end 72 protruding therefrom and tab 73, 76 can be formed from premolded plastic, and the like, and the shield cover 77 and wheel(s)/caster(s) 78 can be formed from plastic. Alternatively, these pieces can all be formed from metal. Still furthermore, these pieces can be formed from any combination of plastic and metal, and the like.
Referring to
Two through-holes 83, 85 pass through mid-portions of the horizontal planar portion 81 of the bracket 80 and can be used for attaching the bracket 80 to the U-bar clamp 60. The sides 84, 86 of the main bracket 80 can be bent so that the sockets 82, 88 formed by the pairs of bent L-shaped portions 82, 88 are located within channels below the depth formed by the sides 84, 86.
An assembly of the components will now be described. Initially an assembler can take two main brackets 80 and attach each underneath the radiator unit 10 by the U-bar clamps 60. Referring to
Referring to
To disassemble, a user can physically push upward on the tab portion 73 on the wheel holder 70, and then the wheel holder can be slid out in a direction opposite to that of arrow S1. The remaining components (main brackets 30, retainer clips 40 and U-bar clamps 60 can be removed following directions opposite to the assembly directions previously described.
While some pieces of the invention have been described as being made of plastic, and metal, the invention can be used with all plastic, all metal and different combinations thereof, and different types of materials as well.
Although the invention describes a separate bracket attached beneath the environmental control unit, the bracket can be pre-formed or molded into the unit itself. For example, attachment portions can be pre-molded or preformed underneath the environmental control unit, or are built into lower side edges of the environmental control unit as needed.
While the invention describes having a protruding end on the wheel holders, the bracket can have protruding members which mateable and snapably attach to slots on the wheel holders. Thus, the invention can be practiced by having snapable members and slots on opposite components to those described in reference to the drawings.
Although the drawings show the invention for use with a radiator, the invention can be used under other types of heaters, and also under other types of fans, and the like. Additionally, the invention can be used under cabinets, boxes, and the like, that have similar needs to be mobile, turned, and have the wheels be small and removable, and easily attachable when needed.
While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.
Bucher, John C., Ricker, Chad J.
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Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Sep 06 2005 | BUCHER, JOHN C | King of Fans, Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 016992 | /0360 | |
Sep 06 2005 | RICKER, CHAD J | King of Fans, Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 016992 | /0360 | |
Sep 13 2005 | CHIEN LUEN INDUSTRIES, CO., LTD., INC. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Sep 29 2009 | King of Fans, Inc | CHIEN LUEN INDUSTRIES CO , LTD , INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 023305 | /0277 |
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